At Customs

To avoid problems, travel with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your GP with details of your condition and medication with generic names not just brand names.

If you use needles/syringes (eg insulin for diabetes) the letter should confirm this.

The letter will be useful if you do need medical treatment on holiday.Think about getting it translated into the language of the country/countries that you're visiting.

Air Travel

You’re allowed to carry essential medicines, including inhalers and liquid dietary foodstuffs over 100ml in your hand luggage. You must get prior approval from the airline and departure airport as well as a doctor’s letter/copy of your prescription.

You can take medical equipment on board with you only if essential for your journey - syringes, CPAP machine (for obstructive sleep apnoea), TENS machine (for pain relief, eg arthritis).

For cooling gel packs in hand luggage you usually need prior approval from the airline/airport. If you need an oxygen cylinder, contact the airline.

Medicines and equipment are screened separately and you must show a letter from your doctor.

Missing or Lost Medicine

If medication goes missing, don't panic. You can buy most medicines in pharmacies abroad. If you have comprehensive travel insurance, the 24-hour emergency assistance helpline service can help track down specialist medicines.

Use your EHIC card in Europe to obtain healthcare/discounted prescriptions. Over 65s should declare they are senior citizens for even bigger reductions on prescriptions.